Fish bite detector

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a device for detecting the movement of a fish on a fishing line, which comes in two parts: a detecting and transmitting device which can be attached to a fishing rod, and a receiving device which also functions as a storage box. Movement of the fishing line is detected using a piezoelectric crystal or other sensing device. There is a rotatable control for adjusting the sensitivity of the device. The sensing device produces an electric signal which is processed by electronic circuits, encoded, and transmitted as radio waves. The radio waves are received by the receiving device, converted back into an electric signal and decoded. When an appropriate signal is received, either a buzzer or a vibrator is activated to alert the user that a fish is on the line. A toggle switch enables the user to choose whether the buzzer or the vibrator will be activated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for detecting the movement of a fish on a fishing line, including a transmitting device for sending a radio signal when such movement is detected, and a receiving device for receiving the radio signal and converting it into a signal perceivable by a human user.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] While there are various devices in the prior art for alerting an user to the presence of a fish on a fishing line, none are as capable as the present invention of being adjusted to distinguish the different types of pull put on the line by wind, wave, current and the fish trying the bait. This is done by measuring the torque and acceleration and the duration of the torque and acceleration on the line.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,559,327, issued on Feb. 2, 1971, to Bernard A. Christopher, discloses a fish warning device, in which the tug of a fish on the line is detected by the movement of a pendulum closing an electrical circuit, causing a warning bell to sound. It is distinguishable from the preferred embodiment of the instant invention, in which movement of the line is detected by a piezoelectric crystal. The instant invention is also distinguishable in that it includes circuits for filtering out irrelevant signals.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,258, issued on Dec. 27, 1983, to Billy R. Adams and William C. Burchett, discloses a device which uses springs to measure the force of the pull of a fish on a line, with different colored lights being turned on when electric circuits are closed as the springs are compressed to certain points, and a moving scale indicating the force of the pull.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,284, issued on May 6, 1986, to Samuel M. Westwood, III, discloses a fishing line signalling device with a switch arm that frictionally grips the fishing line and is spring biased with an adjustment device varying the sensitivity of the device. It is distinguishable from the preferred embodiment of the instant invention in that motion is detected when an electric circuit is closed by movement of the switch arm, without the use of a piezoelectric crystal.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,946, issued on Mar. 22, 1988, to Donald J. Blythe and Frank E. J. Sams, discloses a bite indicator for a fishing line, with a piezoelectric strain sensing element that causes a light emitting diode to be turned on and/or an audio alarm to sound when a fish bites. It is distinguishable from the instant invention in that there is no radio connection between the sensing device and the device producing a signal for the human user, and circuits equivalent to those for the adjustment of environmental sensitivity, deciphering of the electronic impulses, and the encoded transmitting and receiving systems of the instant invention are not disclosed.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,678, issued on Apr. 30, 1991, to Jeffrey A. Peck and William R. Thurston, discloses bite indicators for sensing movement on a fishing line, with various sensing devices and LED or sound output devices. The radio connection of the instant invention is not disclosed, nor are circuits equivalent to those of the instant invention disclosed.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,223, issued on Feb. 18, 1992, to Tak Y. W. Chu, discloses a fishing accessory for detecting movement on a fishing line, where movement is detected by arms that pivot when the line moves.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,113, issued on Sep. 28, 1993, to John J. Daniels, discloses a tension responsive fishing apparatus, including a fishing pole with a hollow interior filled with a fluid across which an electrical potential is applied.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,180, issued on Nov. 16, 1993, to Brian Foster and Randy W. Carrier, discloses a fish bite signal apparatus enclosed in a rectangular box that is clamped above a fishing rod. It is distinguishable from the instant invention in that it does not include circuits for filtering out irrelevant movements or “noise”.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,943, issued on Jan. 4, 1994, to Michael P. Ratcliffe, Ralph D. Ratcliffe, Timothy R. Ratcliffe and Wayne A. Ratcliffe, discloses an indicating device for fishing rods, which detects motion in a fishing rod and fishing line from a fish pulling on the line, but does not include circuits equivalent to those in the instant invention for filtering out irrelevant movements or “noise”.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,710, issued on Mar. 15, 1994, to Joseph P. Mills, discloses a fishing pole strike indicator, which reacts to movements in the fishing pole detected through a spring mounted probe, rather than directly detecting movement in the fishing line itself, as does the instant invention.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,903, issued on Jun. 21, 1994, to Warren R. Ebener, discloses a device for signalling an increase in fishline tension, in which the sensitivity of the device is set mechanically, rather than by an electronic circuit as in the instant invention.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,589, issued on Aug. 30, 1994, to Manuel Gutierrez, discloses a fishing rod holder and stand, including an alarm activated simply by a switch closing when there is movement on the fishing line, without electronic circuits to distinguish insignificant movements, as in the instant invention.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,726, issued on Mar. 14, 1995, to Lawrence Zepeda, Sr., discloses a fish bite detector with an oscillating arm that contacts a fishing line, and activates an alarm when movement of the arm closes an on/off switch, without adjustable means for filtering out insignificant movement, as in the instant invention.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,687, issued on Sep. 19, 1995, to Clifford R. Fox, discloses a bite indicator, which signals motion on a fishing line by mechanical means, i.e., the pivotal movement of a line engagement device.

[0019] French Patent No. 2 472 916, dated July 1981, discloses an electronic fishing bite detector, which detects movements of the fishing rod, rather than directly detecting movements of the fishing line, as does the instant invention.

[0020] British Patent No. 1 596 260, dated August 1981, discloses a bite indicator for a fishing rod having a piezoelectric element in contact with a deflectable member to produce a signal when the line moves, but without the adjustable means for filtering out irrelevant movements of the instant invention.

[0021] German Patent No. 37 07 988, dated September 1988, discloses a device using a piezoelectric crystal for detecting movements in a fishing rod, rather than directly detecting movements in a fishing line, as in the instant invention.

[0022] British Patent No. 2 222 060, dated February 1990, discloses a bite indicator, having a member mounted in direct contact with a fishing line and a piezoelectric element for generating an electrical signal in response to vibration of the member. The instant invention is distinguishable because it has adjustable electronic means for filtering out irrelevant movements of the fishing line.

[0023] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention is a device for detecting the movement of a fish on a fishing line, which comes in two parts: a detecting and transmitting device which can be attached to a fishing rod, and a receiving device which also functions as a storage box that can be clipped to an user's belt like a pager. Movement of the fishing line is detected using a piezoelectric crystal or other sensing device. The sensing device produces an electric signal which is processed by electric circuits, encoded, and transmitted as radio waves. The radio waves are received by the receiving device, converted back into an electric signal and decoded. When an appropriate signal is received, either a buzzer or a vibrator is activated to alert the user that a fish is on the line or interested in the bait.

[0025] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide new and improved means for alerting the user to the movement of a fish on a fishing line.

[0026] It is another object of the invention to provide new and improved means for processing signals received from a sensing device.

[0027] It is a further object of the invention to provide a fish bite detector which includes an encoded radio link.

[0028] Still another object of the invention is to provide a fish bite detector with movement sensitivity that can be adjusted to eliminate all environmental false readings from sources such as waves, winds, currents and/or tidal action.

[0029] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0030] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of the transmitting device from a first angle.

[0032]FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective view of the transmitting device from a second angle.

[0033]FIG. 3 is a top view of the receiving box, containing the transmitting device in an upside-down position.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a top view of the transmitting device.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the transmitting device.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the receiving device.

[0037]FIG. 7 is a top view of the receiving box, without the transmitting device enclosed.

[0038]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the transmitting system.

[0039]FIGS. 9A and 9B are a circuit diagram of the transmitting system, with the broken line indicating where FIG. 9A is continued in FIG. 9B.

[0040]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the receiving system.

[0041]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the receiving system.

[0042] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The present invention is a device for detecting movement, such as that on a fishing line, converting the movement into an electromagnetic signal, deciphering the signal, then transmitting the signal to a receiver and then converting the signal into a form perceptible by a human, with adjustable means for filtering out irrelevant movements.

[0044] The preferred embodiment includes a transmitting device and a box including a receiving device. FIG. 1 shows the transmitting device 10 attached to a fishing pole and fishing line shown in broken lines. The transmitting device also functions as a sensing device for movements in the fishing line. The device has a main body 12, and actuating arm 14 which is attached to the fishing line by a V-shaped hook 16 and to the main body by insertion into a socket 18. The actuating arm has twin V-shaped notches so that the line can come off in whichever direction the bail is turning. The line can also be removed by hand. A sensing pole 20 rises from the main body, and has a V-shaped notch 22 on its upper surface in which the actuating arm rests. Movement on the fishing line is transmitted through the actuating arm and the sensing pole to a piezoelectric crystal (not shown) in the main body. The sensing pole may be made entirely of plastic, or alternatively, it may have a central metal rod (not shown) that at its upper end contacts the actuating arm at a right angle, and at it lower end contacts the piezoelectric crystal. An elevated portion 24 extends from the main body, and is curved to receive a fishing pole on a pad 26. The device is detachably secured to the fishing pole with a strap 28. A first prong 30 extends from the main body and passes through the strap. The position of the device under the fishing pole makes it easier to cast the fishing line. An on/off switch 32 extends downward from the main body. The device is dust and moisture proof, and it will float in water, so that it will not be easily damaged or lost if it falls in the water.

[0045]FIG. 2 shows the other side of the transmitting device. A sensitivity control 34 allows a fisherman to manually adjust the sensitivity of the device to movement on the fishing line. A second prong 36 extends from the main body and can be inserted through a plurality of holes 38 to allow the strap to be adjusted to fit different sizes of fishing poles.

[0046]FIG. 3 shows a top view of the receiving box 50, containing the transmitting device as it is stored in an upside-down position. The receiving box also functions as a storage box. The receiving box has a main portion 52 and a lid 54. When the lid is closed, the elevated area 46 on the lid automatically pushes the on/off switch 32 to turn the device off. When the lid is opened and the pressure on the on/off switch is released, the device is automatically turned back on. There is also a center prong 40 extending from the main body 12, which can be used to pull the transmitting device out of the receiving box. A medium-sized actuating arm 14, a large-sized actuating arm 42, and a small-sized actuating arm 44, are retained on the lid by holders 60. Contained within the main portion of the receiving box are a battery pack 56 and a toggle switch 58.

[0047]FIG. 4 provides a top view of the transmitting device. FIG. 5 provides a left side view of the transmitting device. FIG. 6 provides a bottom view of the transmitting device.

[0048]FIG. 7 shows the receiving box 50 without the transmitting device. A second on/off switch 62 is normally on, but is depressed and thereby turned off by pressure from the main body of the transmitting device when it is stored in the receiving box in the position indicated in FIG. 3. The toggle switch 58 in a first position causes the buzzer 64 to be connected and in a second position causes the vibrator 66 to be connected. When the buzzer is connected, it will emit an audible sound when relevant movement (as explained infra) is detected on the fishing line. When the vibrator is connected, it will vibrate to alert the user when such movement is detected. The buzzer or vibrator will also be activated when the receiving box is opened.

[0049]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the transmitting system. A battery supplies direct current when an on/off switch is closed, which passes through a regulator to power the transmitting system circuit. A sensor detects motion on the fishing line, and sends an electric signal to a filter-amplifier where the signal is enhanced. A variable reference (set by the sensitivity control 34 described supra) is used by a comparator to determine whether to pass the filtered signal on through to a transmit gate/timer or to suppress it. The transmit gate/timer provides a power-enabling signal to an encoder-transmitter, which encrypts the signal, and converts the electrical signal to radio frequency electromagnetic waves, which are transmitted through an antenna.

[0050]FIGS. 9A and 9B are a circuit diagram of the transmitting system. Direct current is supplied from battery B1 when switch SW1 is closed. The current passes through a polarity protection diode to the regulator which provides power to the four-stage filter amplifier and comparator, A1 through A4 and the dual one-shot U2.

[0051] Power to the encoder chip and the radio transmitter are provided by the transistor T2 when an appropriate signal is detected.

[0052] Electromagnetic signals are generated by the transducing element X1. The signals are capacitively coupled by C1 to A1 (and its supporting components C2, C3, R2, R4 and R5), the first stage filter-amplifier. Each successive stage, A2 and A3, further amplifies and filters the signal to the range of voltage and frequency that represents the nature of the torque and acceleration, and the duration of the torque and acceleration expected on a fishing line when a fish is striking or showing interest in the bait.

[0053] This processed signal is presented to a final noise filter C13, C16 and R13, and to the negative input of the comparator A4. The positive input of the comparator A4 is connected to the movable arm of the sensitivity adjustment AR1. AR1 is the adjustable component of a resistor divider network (including R14, R16-18, and R22) which determines the range of the voltage swing of AR1. AR1 is adjusted by the user to select the optimum sensitivity for all of the existing environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, wind, waves and tides. Adjusting AR1 sets the trigger level in the comparator A4.

[0054] When an incident signal is of the same voltage level as that set by AR1 is presented to pin 6 of A4, the comparator triggers, sending a pulse to the first one-shot U2 at pin 4. Pin 6 of U2 goes positive for the duration of the one-shot timer, which in the preferred embodiment is one-half second. This one-half second pulse is connected to the base of transistor T2, which then provides power for the encoder and radio transmitter for that time frame.

[0055] Pin 7 of the first one-shot U2 is connected to pin 12 of the second one-shot U2, causing a pulse to be generated at pin 9 of the second one-shot U2 after the one-half second time frame has passed. This is connected back to the clear input at pin 3 of U2, holding pin 4 of U2 in a cleared status for a time period of one second in the preferred embodiment, and preventing continuous triggering when there are several signals of interest in rapid succession.

[0056] The encoder circuit U3 consists of a plurality of binary select inputs, Switchbank 1, which are preset in production to distinguish one transmitter from another. There are a total of 4096 possible combinations, and these combinations result in different portions of the output waveform being high or low. The frequency of the high/low pulses can be varied by changing the values of R32 and R33, which are connected to pins 16 and 17 of U3. The encoder circuit generates approximately ten sets of encoded pulses for the one-half second duration of the one-shot pulse from pin 6 of U2.

[0057] The radio transmitter includes four filter and frequency ranging capacitors C35-38, an inductor L2, a frequency trimming capacitor C39, and a driver transistor T3. The antenna L1 is an integral part of a printed circuit board. Preferably, the radio transmitting and receiving systems are tuned for the 300 megahertz range, a frequency band approved for remote control devices.

[0058] The encoded waveform from the OUT pin of U3 is coupled to the transmitter's alternating current reference line and to the base of transistor T3. This encoded waveform causes the modulation of the 300 megahertz radio frequency and broadcasts a signal detectable by the receiving system.

[0059]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the receiving system. A battery supplies direct current when an on/off switch is closed, which passes through a regulator to power the receiving system circuit. The radio signals from the transmitting system are picked up by an antenna, converted back to an appropriate electrical signal by the regenerative receiver, and amplified by the signal amplifier. The signals are then decoded by the signal sequence decoder. The decoded signals are then sent to a power driver, which energizes either a buzzer or a vibrator, depending on how a selector switch is set by the user.

[0060]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the receiving system. Direct current is supplied from the battery D1 when the switch SW1 is closed. Current passes through the polarity protecting diode D4 and the voltage regulator VR1. VR1 supplies current to all active components and references.

[0061] When a radio signal of the frequency range of interest is received and amplified it is passed to the decoder integrated circuit U1. U1 is connected to a plurality of binary select switches, Switchbank 1, which are set during manufacture to distinguish one receiver from another. There are a total of 4096 possible combinations, and these combinations result in only one setting (that matching the transmitting system) which will result in an output pulse on pin 18 of U1. The frequency range of the allowable incident signal is set by the value of resistor R3 between pins 16 and 17 of U1.

[0062] The output signal from pin 18 of U1 drives the base of a power transistor T2, which can drive a plurality of indicating devices, as selected by the user with switch SW2.

[0063] In the preferred embodiment, the sensor uses a piezoelectric crystal to detect changes in the tension in the line resulting from a fish pulling on it, as described supra, but other kinds of sensing devices can be used, in all of which signals are triggered at points determined by the filter and variable reference, including but not limited to:

[0064] 1. A microphone, with the loudness and/or frequency of sound picked up by the microphone triggering the transmitter.

[0065] 2. A pendulum, with either variable resistance related to the degrees that the pendulum swings, or else an on/off switch closed when the pendulum swings past a set point.

[0066] 3. A photo sensor, which converts the amount of light received to an input signal.

[0067] 4. A pressure sensor in which the pressure in fluids is monitored and converted into an input signal.

[0068] 5. A moisture sensor, giving either an analog or a digital signal in response to changes in moisture.

[0069] 6. A mercury tilt switch sensor, with an on/off switch that is closed when the tilt passes a set angle.

[0070] 7. A multi-position array of sensors, including a pendulum and arrays of infrared emitting and detecting diodes, that can detect a wide range of angle changes.

[0071] 8. A magnetic reed switch sensor, with a switch comprising a pair of magnetic reeds that is closed when the magnetic field is strong enough to pull the reeds together, and is opened when the magnetic field is weakened so that the reeds are pulled apart.

[0072] 9. A vane air flow sensor, with a vane/spring arrangement that changes a variable resistor creating a signal proportional to air flow.

[0073] 10. A tension sensor, with changing tension causing changes in electrical resistance which cause changes in voltage.

[0074] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A fish bite detector, comprising: a sensor for detecting movement in a fishing line; means for producing an electrical signal when movement is detected by the sensor; a filter circuit for enhancing the electrical signal; a comparator circuit that compares the electrical signal to a reference, and suppresses the signal if it does not fall within a range of values set in accordance with the reference; means for varying the reference; and means for converting electrical signals which are not suppressed into signals that can be perceived by an user.
 2. A fish bite detector, comprising: a sensor for detecting movement in a fishing line; means for producing an electrical signal when movement is detected by the sensor; a filter circuit for enhancing the electrical signal; a comparator circuit that compares the electrical signal to a reference, and suppresses the signal if it does not fall within a range of values set in accordance with the reference; a transmitter circuit for converting the electrical signal into an electromagnetic radiation signal; a receiver circuit for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal and converting it back into an electric signal; and means for converting electrical signals from the receiver circuit into signals that can be perceived by an user.
 3. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein there are means for varying the reference.
 4. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein a manually adjustable variable resistor is the means for varying the reference.
 5. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein the filter circuit can also amplify the electrical signal.
 6. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein between the comparator circuit and the transmitter circuit there is a transmit gate/timer circuit, including at least one one-shot integrated circuit chip, that converts signals from the comparator circuit into a timed pulse to the transmitter circuit.
 7. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein: between the comparator circuit and the transmitter circuit there is an encoder, with a plurality of binary switches, that encrypts the electrical signal before it is converted into the electromagnetic radiation signal that is transmitted; and between the receiver circuit and the means for converting electrical signals there is a decoder, with the same number of binary switches as the encoder, that deciphers the electrical signal before it is converted into signals that can be perceived by an user.
 8. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein between the receiver circuit and the decoder there is an amplifier circuit that can amplify the electrical signal.
 9. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein: there is a switch by which the user can select one means from a plurality of means for converting electrical signals from the receiver circuit into signals that can be perceived by an user; and there is a driver circuit for controlling each of said means.
 10. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein: direct current is supplied from at least one battery, through a power supply circuit that regulates the current supplied, to the sensor, the means for producing an electrical signal, the filter circuit, the comparator circuit, and the transmitter circuit; and direct current is supplied from at least one battery, through a power supply circuit that regulates the current supplied, to the receiver circuit and the means for converting electrical signals from the receiver circuit into signals that can be perceived by the user.
 11. A fish bite detector, according to claim 2, wherein the sensor and means for producing an electrical signal comprise: a piezoelectric crystal; and a sensing pole having a first end contacting the fishing line, and a second end contacting the piezoelectric crystal.
 12. A motion detection system, comprising: a sensor for detecting movement; means for producing an electrical signal when movement is detected by the sensor; a filter circuit for enhancing the electrical signal; a comparator circuit that compares the electrical signal to a reference, and suppresses the signal if it does not fall within a range of values set in accordance with the reference; a transmitter circuit for converting the electrical signal into an electromagnetic radiation signal; a receiver circuit for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal and converting it back into an electric signal; and means for converting electrical signals from the receiver circuit into signals that can be perceived by an user.
 13. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein there are means for varying the reference.
 14. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein a manually adjustable variable resistor is the means for varying the reference.
 15. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein the filter circuit can also amplify the electrical signal.
 16. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein between the comparator circuit and the transmitter circuit there is a transmit gate/timer circuit, including at least one one-shot integrated circuit chip, that converts signals from the comparator circuit into a timed pulse to the transmitter circuit.
 17. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein: between the comparator circuit and the transmitter circuit there is an encoder, with a plurality of binary switches, that encrypts the electrical signal before it is converted into the electromagnetic radiation signal that is transmitted; and between the receiver circuit and the means for converting electrical signals there is a decoder, with the same number of binary switches as the encoder, that deciphers the electrical signal before it is converted into signals that can be perceived by an user.
 18. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein between the receiver circuit and the decoder there is an amplifier circuit that can amplify the electrical signal.
 19. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein: there is a switch by which the user can select one means from a plurality of means for converting electrical signals from the receiver circuit into signals that can be perceived by an user; and there is a driver circuit for controlling each of said means.
 20. A motion detection system, according to claim 12, wherein: direct current is supplied from at least one battery, through a first power supply circuit that regulates the current supplied, to the sensor, the means for producing an electrical signal, the filter circuit, the comparator circuit, and the transmitter circuit; and direct current is supplied from at least one battery, through a second power supply circuit that regulates the current supplied, to the receiver circuit and the means for converting electrical signals from the receiver circuit into signals that can be perceived by the user. 